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Fiona and David Boyd-Armstrong unveil one of two new state-of-the-art new copper stills at Rademon Estate Distillery

THE Co Down distillery behind the award-winning Shortcross Gin has just completed a £2.5 million refurbishment, which will treble production capacity.

Work to transform Rademon Estate Distillery, located just outside Crossgar, included the addition of two new copper stills, which will increase the distillery’s production capacity to over 50,000 litres of alcohol a year and is the culmination of a 20-month investment programme.

The two stills, one of which is for gin and the other for whiskey, will enable the distillery to treble its production volumes for Shortcross Gin as demand grows globally. The major investment also helps to boost the company's entry into the whiskey market. Rademon has increased both its brewing and distilling capacity by over 500 per cent, as it continues production of its single malt Irish whiskey, the first batch of which is expected to be released in late 2018/early 2019.

The significant investment at Rademon also includes the addition of a new visitor centre comprising a bar, gift shop and events space. The completion of this phase of the development will open up new revenue streams through the provision of regular distillery tours and private events.

Since its establishment in 2012 by husband and wife team Fiona and David Boyd-Armstrong, Rademon has made a significant impact in the spirits market and is now the north's leading craft distillery.

Speaking about the latest investment Mrs Armstrong said they were "proud" to take the next step towards realising their vision for the distillery.

"In addition to the increased production capacity, we are thrilled to be able to welcome people to the home of Shortcross, with the opening of our new Visitor Experience Centre. We have taken great pride in developing a unique and welcoming space to meet growing consumer demand for the opportunity to learn and experience more about Shortcross Gin and of course, in time, our new single malt Irish whiskey.”